Athletic Training (B.S.)

Mission. The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) seeks to prepare students through knowledge, values, critical thinking, and psychomotor skills to assume a professional role in the Athletic Training Profession that will optimize the quality of healthcare of the physically active.

Curricula. The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training is designed to meet standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The MSU ATEP is accredited and must comply with CAATE accreditation. Upon meeting all degree requirements, graduating students will qualify to sit for the BOC certification examination. Program Policies and Procedures, as well as Technical Standards are available in the HHP Department, or on the web at www.mcneese.edu/hhp.

Admission to the Program. Students declaring Athletic Training as their major are not automatically admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP). Eligible students must apply for admission. Students  may complete the necessary paperwork required by the ATEP for progression to upper level coursework in Athletic Training during HHP 115, “Introduction to Athletic Training.” All students must complete course prerequisites before the application receives final approval. These prerequisites include, but are not limited to, 11 hours of Biology, including BIOL 225*, HHP 111, HHP 115, HHP 124, and HHP 235.

*In special circumstances, students may be able to take BIOL 225 concurrently with the first Athletic Training Clinical course, HHP 288. This must be approved by the Program Director and will allow the student to enroll on a probationary status. The student will not be allowed to progress in the program (by enrolling in HHP 388) if a passing grade is not made in BIOL 225 during the probationary period or if an unsatisfactory grade is earned in HHP 288.

During the HHP 115 course, prospective students will be provided with all necessary documents for entering into the ATEP. All majors in the field of Health and Human performance are required to make a minimum grade of “C” in all HHP courses. In addition, the following prerequisites are considered to be the minimum requirements to advance into HHP 288 and the clinical portion of the ATEP:

1. 2.5 out of possible 4.0 overall Grade Point Average**
2. A minimum grade “B” in HHP 115, “Introduction to Athletic Training”
3. A completed physical examination by physician/physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner
4. Signed copy of the Athletic Training Education Program’s Technical Standards

**An adjusted GPA may be considered for this requirement for courses that have been repeated.

The MSU Athletic Training Education Program does exercise a competitive admission policy. Students meeting the minimum requirements for admission are not automatically accepted into the Athletic Training Education Program. Available spaces in the ATEP are filled based on the following points based system:

• Grade higher than “C” minimum for BIOL 101, BIOL 102, BIOL 225, HHP 124, HHP 235 - 1 pt. each, max 12
• Documented Volunteer work in athletics (high school or college level) - 2 pts. per sport, max 10 (Other volunteer activities are considered if Athletics is not available at the institution.)
• Documented community service work - 1 pt. per 20 hours, max 10
• Observation of ATC or other allied health professional - 1 pt. per 20 hours, max 10

Once a student has been formally admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program, they will be required to provide proof of immunizations during the Physical Exam (PPE). If the student does not have an updated immunization report, it will be the student’s responsibility to obtain and incur the cost for the report or produce a signed waiver. Appropriate documentation will be kept on file as part of standard university procedure. Immunization records include, but are not limited to TB Skin Test, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Hepatitis. In the event OSHA guidelines require or allow, a signed waiver may be substituted for the TB skin test or HBV.

Transfer Policy- Students who transfer from any other institution must follow university regulations and policies regarding academic transfer and course credit substitution. The ATEP at McNeese requires that students meet all prerequisites before making application to the ATEP. When prerequisites are satisfied, a transfer student must follow the normal coursework and clinical track, beginning with HHP 288. No course substitutions are allowed for ATEP clinical classes. Course prerequisites and corequisites also apply. The Department Head of HHP, with advice from the Program Director, must approve course substitutions. Students enrolled in a different major at McNeese, wishing to change their major to Athletic Training, must also follow these rules.

Fees- At this time, the ATEP does have a fee (e.g. Lab Fees) associated with its required courses (Ex. Lab Fees). The University reserves the right to assess fees on the basis of need. Please refer to the University policies and procedures for more information.

From time to time, students may be required to meet requirements of the program that may involve financial obligation. Required costs indirectly associated with the program include, but are not limited to: 

1. Fuel consumption for travel to affiliated sites during clinical rotations
2. CPR and First aid certification requirements (see section V in Policies and Procedures)
3. Appropriate dress code for clinical rotations that may require specific attire.
4. Physical Exams (PPE) with proof of immunization***.
5. Membership dues for the Athletic Training Society

***Once a student has been formally admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program, they will be required to provide proof of immunizations during the Physical Exam (PPE). If the student does not have an updated immunization report, it will be the student’s responsibility to obtain and incur the cost for the report.

The University will make every attempt to defray costs, if possible. Students having difficulty in meeting the financial obligations are asked to notify the Program Director for possible solutions.

Retention, Progression, Dismissal. Once admitted to the ATEP, students must strictly adhere to the program’s policies and procedures, as well as maintain a 2.5 GPA.** Clinical courses are designed to follow a course progression that includes both prerequisites and co-requisites. See course descriptions for details. Students may be placed on probation and/or dismissed from the ATEP according to the ATEP policies and procedures available in the HHP department, and on the web: www.mcneese.edu/hhp

Graduation. Degree eligible candidates must meet all requirements listed in the section titled “Graduation Requirements” in the Academic Regulations  section of the catalog. Only HHP courses with a grade of “C” or higher may be applied to the degree plan. The Athletic Training curriculum is subject to CAATE standards. Students accepted into the program must complete 840 hours of clinical internship in specific content areas, some of which are located at affiliated off campus sites. Contact the Program Director in the HHP department for more information.